I am going to refinish a Free No. 5 sewing machine that is in incredibly bad shape. It will take 10s of hours but will be a gem when done.

Does anyone know how to physically remove the actual sewing machine so that I can easily dismantle everything else for refinishing.

Thank you.

Gary

You say that you are going to refinish a sewing machine. Can I assume you really meant the wood cabinet? Since you are going to all this work, could I also assume that this machine (and the cabinet) is older; antique, or at least vintage?

A lot of assuming here, but if you tip the machine back on its hinges and pull up the piece of the cabinet (also on hinges) in front of it, you have a little bitty space to stick your head under the machine. You will see a set screw going to each hinge. Loosen those and the machine will lift off the hinges.

If I have assumed too much, or incorrectly, please provide more details.

I found a picture of what seems to be their sewing machine
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/other-collectibles/16326d1233716359-free-no-5-sewing-machine-solid-oak-cabinet-sewing-machine-002.jpg&imgrefurl=https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-collectibles/free-no-5-sewing-machine-solid-oak-cabinet-312709.html&h=563&w=750&sz=80&tbnid=FG17TdsQIOuV2M:&tbnh=92&tbnw=122&zoom=1&usg=__mZ7FnIUn2cNxL7rXbIZa_xdqcz8=&docid=UhOfrPm_ZTpQOM&sa=X&ei=8fo0UoPnD7S24AOY0IGIDQ&ved=0CFcQ9QEwCQ&dur=267

Ignore this response.

(Please ignore previous response, the server has apparently mixed up question/answer pairs.)

Thanks for the photo... that's a little different. First, take the drive band off the wheel down below, then tip the machine back. You should see the set screws as described above. If that doesn't work for you, post back and I'll try to help.